Eastern Crayfish

Cambarus bartonii

Classification

Conservation Status

  • Eastern Crayfish live in cold, rocky creeks with swift currents in Appalachian portions of the Cumberland River Basin. 
  • They build “chimneys,” on the banks of waterways. These chimney’s sit atop underground burrows. 
  • The south east is home to more species of crayfish than anywhere else on earth. 
  • The Eastern Crayfish’s incredibly strong abdomen allows it to dart backwards when threatened.
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About this site

The Cumberland River Basin project aims to promote the ecological and economical health of the Cumberland River Basin, an 18,000 square mile region that stretches across 70 Tennessee and Kentucky counties and home to more than 2 million people. 

Photography

A majority of the photography featured on this site was provided courtesy of Chuck Sutherland. For more information please visit Chuck’s website.

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The Cumberland River Compact works to enhance the health and enjoyment of the Cumberland River and its tributaries through education, restoration, and collaboration. Learn more by visiting cumberlandrivercompact.org.